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Magnificat quarti toni

Introduction

The structures of the Magnificats in the second and fourth modes (hypodorian and hypophrygian respectively) are formulaic, yet Praetorius displays an impressive ability to build innovative musical architecture using the strict scaffolding of the period. The even-numbered verses of the canticles are set polyphonically and bichorally in duple time while the odd-numbered verses are sung to the unadorned plainchant of the relevant mode. The polyphonic verses take the notes of the chant as their starting point, and each verse is carried away with a flight of fancy based as much on the speech-rhythm of the words as on their meaning. Both Glorias are set entirely polyphonically, the fourth-tone Magnificat alternating between triple and duple time and the second-tone Magnificat reserving its muscular triple-time section for the closing words ‘et in saecula saeculorum. Amen’.

Recordings

The music of Hieronymus Praetorius is as assured, expressive and original as the Dürer image which adorns the CD cover. Yet this fine composer is much less well-known than his namesake Michael Praetorius. These delightful works are written in a varie ...» More

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.
And my spirit rejoices in God, my Saviour.
For he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his handmaiden:
behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
For he that is mighty has done wondrous things for me:
and holy is his name.
And his mercy is upon them
that fear him throughout all generations.
He has shown the power of his arm:
he has scattered the proud in their conceit.
He has put down the mighty from their seat,
and has exalted the humble and meek.
He has filled the hungry with good things:
and the rich he has sent empty away.
He has sustained his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy.
As he promised to our forefathers,
Abraham and his sons for ever.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen.